The largest and most detailed study to date has shown that GLP-1 receptor agonists—medications originally developed to treat diabetes—can help protect the kidneys and heart, even in people without diabetes.
The findings, published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, show the wide-ranging benefits of these drugs for people with chronic kidney disease (CKD), obesity, and heart disease.
GLP-1 receptor agonists work by mimicking a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1. This hormone boosts insulin levels and lowers blood sugar.
Over time, these drugs have also been shown to help people lose weight by reducing appetite and slowing digestion.
Popular medications in this group include semaglutide (sold as Ozempic or Wegovy), dulaglutide (Trulicity), and liraglutide (Victoza).
To better understand the full impact of GLP-1 receptor agonists, researchers performed a meta-analysis—an advanced statistical review—of 11 major clinical trials. These trials included a total of 85,373 participants.
Of these, 67,769 had type 2 diabetes, while 17,604 were overweight or had cardiovascular disease but did not have diabetes.
The results were promising. People taking GLP-1 receptor agonists had a 16% lower risk of kidney failure compared to those taking a placebo.
They were also 22% less likely to have worsening kidney function, defined by a 50% drop in kidney filtration. When combining several outcomes—kidney failure, decline in kidney function, and death from kidney disease—the overall risk was reduced by 19%.
These medications also protected the heart. People on GLP-1 drugs were 14% less likely to suffer from cardiovascular death, heart attack, or stroke. In addition, the risk of death from any cause dropped by 13%.
Professor Sunil Badve, lead author and senior researcher at The George Institute for Global Health and UNSW Sydney, said these findings extend what is known about GLP-1 drugs.
“This is the first time we’ve seen clear evidence that these drugs can help prevent kidney failure, which makes them a powerful option for people with chronic kidney disease, diabetes, or obesity,” he said.
CKD is a serious condition affecting about 850 million people globally. It’s one of the top ten causes of death and is expected to become the fifth leading cause of death by 2050. Many people with CKD eventually require dialysis or a kidney transplant.
Even before that stage, the disease greatly reduces quality of life and leads to high medical costs. Heart disease is the most common cause of death among CKD patients.
Professor Vlado Perkovic, senior author of the study and provost at UNSW Sydney, added that these findings could help shape future treatment guidelines.
“This research shows that GLP-1 receptor agonists can be a major tool in the fight against kidney disease, heart disease, and obesity,” he said. “It’s not just about treating diabetes anymore. These drugs have the potential to reduce the global burden of serious chronic illnesses.”
The authors stress the need for wider access to these medications so that more patients can benefit. They also call for further efforts to include these findings in treatment plans around the world.
If you care about diabetes, please read studies about The hidden connection between cancer and diabetes uncovered and findings of Scientists find the best way to help people with diabetes lose weight.
For more about diabetes, please read studies about Widely prescribed drug may increase sudden cardiac arrest risk in people with diabetes and findings of These common drugs linked to sudden cardiac arrest in people with type 2 diabetes.
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